http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/18/2121409.htm?section=australia 

NT helping E Timor establish first marine park

Northern Territory Government scientists are working with their East Timorese colleagues to set up their first marine park.

Teams of NT scientists have just returned from mapping coral reefs along the East Timor's coast.

NT Government principle scientist Professor Karen Edyvane says the research is being done so properly-managed development and eco-tourism can go ahead.

"There's some spectacular coral, some very, very big fish and once again, they'll form a very good basis for a game fishing industry," she said.

"Also a lot of the north coast of Timor is an absolute haven for protected wildlife - [an] enormous aggregations of humpback whales and pilot whales."

She says industries including ecotourism, game fishing and aquaculture can be developed once the research has been completed.

"Timor is remarkably intact in terms of its ecosystems and has shows a lot of promise in terms of developing a very healthy and sustainable eco-tourism industry," she said.

'It's got a lot to offer, both in terms of its coral reef eco-systems and also in terms of its marine wildlife it has along the coast."